Emiquon Preserve

Located in Sepo, Fulton County, Emiquon Preserve offers a concrete boat ramp and gravel parking lot (25 vehicle/trailer spaces) for paddlers and anglers accessing Thompson Lake. This site is ideal for kayakers and canoeists seeking a non-motorized paddling experience—**gas motors are prohibited**. The ramp provides easy access to explore the wetlands of this restored 13,000-acre habitat complex at the confluence of the Illinois and Spoon Rivers. Anglers are limited to pole and line fishing only.

Before launching, be aware that **a free annual lake access waiver/registration is required** to boat or fish on Thompson Lake. Paddlers should exercise caution in the shallow wetland areas to avoid disturbing nesting birds and wildlife, particularly stilts and coots. The preserve is managed by The Nature Conservancy and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as part of the larger Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge, making it an excellent destination for wildlife viewing and paddling through restored floodplain habitats.